The Top 15 Free Things To Do In Airlie Beach
Are you looking for the best things to do in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays without blowing through your holiday budget? You're in luck! The Whitsunday region is packed with breathtaking natural beauty and laid-back local spots, that don't cost a thing! Airlie Beach, located in the heart of the Whitsunday region on the East Coast of Australia, is the perfect base for exploring this incredible destination. If you’re planning on spending a bit of money on tours to places like Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, or on overnight sailing charters, you may be keen to find some free things to do in Airlie Beach in between. Well, look no further! From swimming in the lagoon to scenic coastal walks, our team of locals have put together a list of the top 15 ways to enjoy paradise without spending a fortune!
1. Swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon
Located right on the shoreline of this coastal town, you will find the Airlie Beach Lagoon. This scenic swimming pool is one of the most popular things to do in the Whitsundays - and it's completely free! Open from early morning until late at night, the Lagoon is the perfect spot to enjoy gorgeous views of the Coral Sea, lay out with a good book, splash around, or soak up the sunshine! Lifeguards are always on duty for everyone’s safety, and with over 4,000sqm of sparkling water salt and chlorine water, there's plenty of space for everyone to cool off and relax!
2. Barbecue on the Beaches
Firing up a beachside barbecue is one of the most classic and budget-friendly things to do in the Whitsundays! You can find complimentary BBQ facilities dotted across Airlie Beach, letting you cook up a storm in front of a million-dollar backdrop - completely free! Grab some snags, spray oil and some salads and head down to one of the town's seaside spots, such as the Airlie Foreshore, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Shingley Beach, and Cannonvale Beach. Pair your tasty sausage sandwich with the stunning hues of an afternoon sunset, and you'll be set for an afternoon of Whitsundays alfresco bliss!
3. Take in the views from the Bicentennial walkway
Stretching 3.7 km along the Airlie Beach coastline, the Bicentennial Walkway is an easily-accessible, free thing to do in the Whitsunday region. This moderate and mostly flat walk is perfect for a morning stroll or a sunset walk. Starting at The Whitsunday Sailing Club, the walk winds through the centre of town and along the Airlie Foreshore, before heading through the Coral Sea Marina Resort, Shingley Beach, and finally finishing at Cannonvale Beach. Along the way, stop in for a coffee or a cold one at one of the waterfront cafés or restaurants and soak up the views of the pristine Whitsunday waters.
4. Hikes and Bushwalks
Seeking adventure? You'll find some of the best hiking and bushwalking trails in the Whitsundays right here in Airlie Beach! Surrounded by tropical rainforest, the area is home to trails for every fitness level, from moderate walks such as the Airlie Creek and Coral Beach walk to challenging trails like Honeyeater Lookout and Mt. Rooper. Along the way, discover rare Australian flora and fauna, hidden creeks and naturally formed plunge pools. At the summits, you'll get to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands - an absolute must-do for nature lovers visiting the Whitsundays!
5. Live Music
The laid-back, tropical vibe of the Whitsundays comes alive at night thanks to Airlie Beach's thriving live music scene. Across town, you'll find talented local artists and touring Aussie musicians playing in just about every pub, 7 nights a week. Bar-hopping to check out the local nightlife and entertainment is one of the most fun things to do in the Whitsundays after dark. Head to venues like The Pub and Magnums Hotel for bigger travelling acts, or head to KC's Bar & Grill and the Whitsundays Sailing Club for some homegrown performances. Local and touring DJs also frequent our nightclubs, while venues like Anchor Bar, Paradiso, and Sorrento offer intimate relaxing sunset acoustic sets.
6. Hydeaway Bay
For a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of Airlie Beach's main strip, a drive out to Hydeaway Bay should be on your list of things to do. Located just 40 minutes out of town, this quiet coastal spot boasts incredible views of a different set of Whitsunday Islands, and is the perfect destination for an afternoon of sunbaking or a waterfront meal. Stop at Monte’s Resort and Cape Gloucester Eco Resort for a tranquil coffee, a bite to eat, or simply a space to drink in the sweeping ocean views. Hydeaway Bay is a Whitsundays hidden gem that's well worth the trip!
Explore the Airlie Beach mainland!
7. Weekly Events
Airlie Beach's lively social scene ensures there are all sorts of weekly events to choose from while you're in the Whitsundays. Keep an eye out for bingo, trivia nights, and karaoke, sunrise yoga on the beach, and even complimentary drinks on Ladies Night at some pubs! While not all these activities may be completely free, they will usually only set you back a very small entry fee. If it isn’t enough to just save some money, why not make some? Several pubs have weekly events where the adventurous backpacker can win cash prizes, such as Cane Toad Racing and the Hot Legs Competitions at Magnums. Keep an eye on local event listings and Facebook pages for the latest - or simply take a stroll along Airlie Beach's main street to see what's being advertised that week! It's a fun, budget-friendly way to experience nightlife and community in the Whitsundays.
8. Cedar Creek Falls
If cooling off in natural freshwater sounds like your cup of tea, you must check out Cedar Creek Falls. Hidden in the Conway National Forest about a 20 minute drive out of Airlie Beach lies a beautiful series of waterfalls cascading into a naturally formed swimming hole. One of the most common questions online has to be “Is Cedar Creek Flowing?” and to truly see the falls in all their glory you’re best off visiting this in the wet season, during our Summer months after a rain. It's the perfect spot for a refreshing dip, a picnic, or a quiet nature escape!
9. Check out the airport hangar
For something a little quirky, we recommend visiting the Whitsunday Airport Hangar - a beloved spot for locals and visitors who are keen to do something unique in the Whitsundays! Grab a coffee from Hangar Cafe and Bar, sit back, relax and watch the planes take off and fly in. See if you can spot the nervous skydivers getting ready to take to the skies! It's a simple, yet surprisingly fun activity that offers a whole new perspective on the town.
10. Go to the Airlie Beach markets
A must-visit for budget-conscious travellers, the Airlie Beach Markets are among the most popular on-land things to do in the Whitsundays. Hosted every Saturday right on the esplanade, it’s a hotspot for both locals and tourists alike who flock from all over the Whitsundays to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. With an amazing range of stalls to meander through and wander around, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye! Sip on delicious cups of steaming coffee, enjoy a freshly made market meal or buy a trinket for someone you love!
11. Discover a secret beach
The Whitsundays are famous for their stunning beaches, but there are one or two hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re perusing the coast of the mainland or exploring the islands by bareboat, there are countless bare and empty beaches with your name on them. One of the best ways to find these secret beaches is to ask a local – and if you’re lucky and you’ve hired a skipper, maybe they’ll even whisk you there.
12. Roadtrip to Bowen
Bowen is a town a few hours north of Airlie Beach, making it a wonderful place to explore for the day, and a top pick for things to do in the Whitsundays beyond the islands. Featuring a handful of jaw-dropping beaches, like the world-famous Horseshoe Bay, this is one of the best places to try the delicious local seafood. So pull up a chair, crack open an oyster and watch the kids splash around in turquoise water before making your way back to Airlie Beach.
13. Cape Gloucester
Touted as Airlie Beach’s best-kept secret, Cape Gloucester is completely devoid of tourists and full of beauty. Located about a 40-minute drive north of Airlie Beach, Cape Gloucester is home to stunning scenery featuring crystal clear waters, bright golden sand and peace and quiet. Once you’ve seen this gem, you’ll want to scream it from the rooftop!
14. Go fishing
With all of the wonders that come with crystal clear waters and a thriving reef, fishing is another incredible activity to take advantage of while you’re in town. With a handful of great fishing tours available in the area, you’ll be taken out into the Great Barrier Reef where your expert guides will show you the ropes and help you cast a net! Already a pro with your own line? Why not take it for a spin at one of our beautiful beaches?
15. Volunteer with Eco Barge to protect local marine life
These world-renowned islands owe much of their natural splendour to the quiet efforts of Eco Barge Clean Seas and its dedicated volunteers. Step into their world of action-based conservation – where every bit of marine debris removed, every plastic fragment sorted, and every turtle cared for helps safeguard this fragile marine haven.
Whether you're lending a hand on the shoreline, contributing to valuable data collection and recycling efforts, or supporting the vital work at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, you’ll be part of something meaningful. And yes, you might just find yourself cruising through island waters – not as a tourist, but as a protector.
Volunteering here doesn’t just change the environment – it changes you. Head to Eco Barge’s website to get involved.
